Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student Julia Mitchell. Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the raptures of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover. When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he succumb to Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?

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Publisher's Summary

National best-selling author Sylvain Reynard continues the story of Gabriel and Julia, two lovers bound together by their darkest desires.

But those very desires may destroy them....

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student Julia Mitchell. Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the raptures of sex.

But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover. When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he succumb to Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?

In Gabriel’s Rapture, the brilliant sequel to the wildly successful debut novel, Gabriel’s Inferno, Sylvain Reynard weaves an exquisite love story that will touch the listener’s mind, body, and soul, forever.

If you haven't already listened to Gabriel's Inferno start with that one as these books tell of a journey of a love affair that will grab you and carry you away with it, mesmerising you as you go and it will leave you totally speechless.

If you are a true romantic you will love these books as they tell of the difficult and very painful journey that Gabriel and Julia's love has as they are finally found out and the disastrous consequences that transpire as a result. There are no descriptive sex scenes but only slight references to their passion, I would have preferred them a little hotter but this omission did not spoil the story at all.

Prepare to be moved, prepare to sigh and cry and prepare to put your life on hold because, once started, these books cannot be put down until the final word.

Worth the credit? They are like no other book I've read or listened to, they are SO captivating, SO enjoyable and SO well written that to score them as a mere credit doesn't do them justice - but I would have gladly spent many more credits on them and awarded them 10 stars - but beware - if you're not into a totally romantic story then this is not the book for you.

Rarely has a set of books (both this one and Gabriel’s Inferno) grabbed my gut, my heart, and my brain. Having both been a grad student and an instructor at the university level, let me assure you that everything about this book happens to real people. Intellectuals are incredibly turned on by the life of the mind and it stokes passions that frequently become both physical and emotional between grad student and professor – they are, after all mature adults. And yes, the university does struggle to balance the power by inflicting all kinds of hypocritical regulations regarding fraternization between the two. While I loved my time in the academy, I was not immune to its hypocrisy and power struggles. We see that hypocrisy so clearly in so many scenes with the Dean and the investigations. Gabriel’s Rapture was real to me. I’m starting to wonder if the author uses a pseudonym because he is also a professor in addition to his writing. His language, his knowledge of Dante and the Renaissance arts, his ability to provide the intellectual truths (in this case literature) as he lectures both in and out of the academy is a little too on point for a novelist who hasn't been there and lived it himself. So, maybe it’s the realism and the familiar sadness is what I loved the best. Gabriel’s seething sensuality is not born just of the physical and carnal. Living the life of the mind is indeed sensual for those that take that journey, and his pain of an anguished past is not unique to a fictional character. I saw myself and many I know in his character and in Julia. This book was perfection in every way. Each sentence, each description, each scene – is well thought out and amazingly heart-rending. The author has made us believe these characters and his art is a gift he gives freely to his readers. I am grateful he has decided to write a third book to this series because I'm not ready to let go -- not yet.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Gabriel's Rapture?

Everything is memorable about this book, but what stands out for me, aside from the steamy sensuality between Gabriel and Julia are the scenes following the Dean’s “inquisition,” when we as reader know that Gabriel and Julia will be (for a time) painfully separated. When he whispers to Julia to “read Abelard’s 6th letter” I cried like a baby. Julia’s heartbreak is palpable, and Gabriel’s sacrifice is agonizing.Again, this book is full of metaphors of the sacred. Starting with the name of his mother, look for them. They are there everywhere and made me catch my breath more than a few times.

Have you listened to any of John Morgan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not because he tends to narrate non-fiction, but his performance is award-worthy, He caught every nuance, every smile, every gasp, every humorous reference. A deep baritone of a voice that became Gabriel in my imagination, perfectly acted/spoken. He most definitely added to the sensual experience.

Any additional comments?

This is a book that is not to be missed. Be ready to let wash over you and change you forever.

"By doubting we come to inquiry ,by inquiry we come to truth " -Abelard Looking for a great and beautiful romance? Do yourself a favor and skip the front rack at the bookstore, and go directly to SR’s “Gabriel Inferno” series and prepare to lose your self in this labyrinth of a true love.

What about John Morgan’s performance did you like?

I must say that listening to this story was a very entertaining, SR's writing is poetic and John Morgan captured his poetry with unusual sensitivity. I liked his performance a great deal.I defenitly will listen more of him,

Where does Gabriel's Rapture rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The two book series ranks at the very top. This should be made into a film....I'm sure it would rival "Gone with the Wind".

What did you like best about this story?

The personalization of the human condition, how we relate to one another. Second and even third chances to make wrongs right.

Have you listened to any of John Morgan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, Gabriel's Inferno..he is beyond awesome! Each character took on their own personality (became three dimensional), because of the way he narrated this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

There are no words! I couldn't put it down...even lost some sleep over this one.This is by far and away the best series I have ever read! A must read

Any additional comments?

I'll be waiting for this authors next book....I will be reading all this authors works.This series was inspired me to read more on Dante as well. I could relate to many of the scenes in Italy having been there..it sure made me hunger to return! Very romantic!!!!!!

I thought that Gabriel's Inferno was excellent, but the sequel, Gabriel's Rapture is absolutely fantastic!!! Usually the first book in a series is the best, well not is this case. Sylvain Reynard is growing as a writer and this book proves that. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I begun reading it. I did have some questions left unanswered from GI, but for me the end was complete and wasn't asking for more. Again, like the first book, you'll find the author's knowledge and taste in literature, art, music and food amazing and exquisite. Reading this book makes you want to book the next flight to Italy, sniff Aramis/Agent Provocateur, taste the food, drink Chianti, listen to the playlist etc. (yes, guilty I've done a few of those things)The story starts exactly where GI had left of. I don't want to reveal too much, I will only say that Julia will surprise you. The way she endures the agony of separation is remarkable and shows how strong she really is. I was touched by the way that Julianne and Gabriel's relationship blooms and the real soul mates emerge. The author takes us into a journey of redemption, forgiveness, sensuality, unconditional love and pure happiness. This novel was heart wrenching and deeply emotional, but well worth it in the end. At times I felt like my soul was crying along with my eyes, and other times I felt euphoric, my heart swelling with joy. It's such a beautiful story that I could read times and times again.

This is now my all time favorite book. It left a deep imprint on my soul. I can't wait to see what Sylvain Reynard has in store for book Gabriel's Redemption, the last one in the series. Knowing him, it will definitely be astonishing.Thank you, Sylvain Reynard for writing and sharing such a beautiful masterpiece. And for having Jhon Morgan reading it.

My favourite quote: "Everyone wants to know where evil comes from and why the world is riddled with it. Why doesn't anyone ask where goodness comes from? Human beings have a tremendous capacity for cruelty. Why is there any goodness at all?"

From start to finish I have thoroughly enjoyed this book! For me, this series has everything I need in a novel..love, a good plot, great characters, sensuality, and a really great narrator. My favorite character is most definitely the Professor!!!!! I love everything about this character, flaws and all! People have compared this to 50 shades of grey, which I read and enjoyed immensely, but something about Gabriel ( the professor) just did it for me. There are numerous similarities between 50 shades and this series, but the biggest difference is there is no BDSM. The sex is not overly graphic but still very very sensual, and the build up to it is likely one of the best aspects of the book. I highly recommend this book along with the first. i will listen again and again! Credit worthy for sure!

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